This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The Bachelor of Arts in Cinema is focused on narrative movie production. Consequently, the program is designed to advance conceptual understanding of visual storytelling and to teach and practice the technical methodologies foundational to movie-making.
Cinema majors collaborate on student productions under the supervision of faculty with professional production experience. Each summer session, students and faculty work collectively on a series of films funded by the School of the Arts.
Course work explores the proper use of motion picture cameras, lights, sound recording equipment and editorial software. Students also learn the history and theory of film, and develop skills in screenwriting, producing, directing and the business of movie-making.
The B.A. in Cinema requires a minimum of 120 credits, including 48 in the major. At least 45 of the 120 credits must be taken as 300- and 400-level courses. Students are admitted directly into the cinema program and are not required to complete the Art Foundation Program.
Many full-time students enrolled in the cinema program graduate with their B.A. degree after the successful completion of the summer session following their third year.
Student learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate safe, effective and responsible technical practices used in operating motion-picture cameras, grip/lighting, sound and editing equipment employed in all stages of production
- Write, revise and critique original screenplays that include fundamental narrative elements appropriate to creative guidelines
- Express a rich understanding of the history and influences of cinema by communicating adeptly about references with professionals in the film universe
- Produce narrative films by competently, collaboratively and professionally participating with a team in their assigned production role.
Special requirements
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the program.
Majors in the Cinema Program may choose to complete a second major or minor in any other department or program that supports their educational and artistic goals. Alternatively, students may create a customized plan of study for a second major by requesting admission to the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program.
Degree requirements for Cinema, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General education | ||
| Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. | 30 | |
| Major requirements | ||
| • Major core requirements | ||
| CINE 100 | Visual Storytelling I | 3 |
| CINE 101 | Visual Storytelling II | 3 |
| CINE 110 | Writing for Cinema I | 3 |
| CINE 111 | Writing for Cinema II | 3 |
| CINE 200 | Cinema Form and Concept I | 3 |
| CINE 201 | Cinema Form and Concept II | 3 |
| CINE 300 | Cinema Form and Concept III | 3 |
| CINE 301 | Cinema Form and Concept IV | 3 |
| CINE 390 | Digital Cinema Production Intensive I | 12 |
| CINE 490 | Digital Cinema Production Intensive II | 12 |
| Ancillary requirements | ||
| ARTH 270 & ARTH 271 | History of the Motion Picture I and History of the Motion Picture II | 6 |
| Open electives | ||
| Select any courses toward a minor, second major or electives. | 36 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.
| Freshman year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| ARTH 270 | History of the Motion Picture I | 3 |
| CINE 100 | Visual Storytelling I | 3 |
| CINE 110 | Writing for Cinema I | 3 |
UNIV 111  Play course video for Focused Inquiry I | Focused Inquiry I (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| ARTH 271 | History of the Motion Picture II | 3 |
| CINE 101 | Visual Storytelling II | 3 |
| CINE 111 | Writing for Cinema II | 3 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Summer semester | ||
| CINE 390 | Digital Cinema Production Intensive I | 12 |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Sophomore year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CINE 200 | Cinema Form and Concept I | 3 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Courses toward a minor, second major or electives | 5 | |
| General education courses | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 17 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CINE 201 | Cinema Form and Concept II | 3 |
| Courses toward a minor, second major or electives | 7 | |
| General education courses | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Summer semester | ||
| CINE 490 | Digital Cinema Production Intensive II | 12 |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CINE 300 | Cinema Form and Concept III | 3 |
| Courses toward a minor, second major or electives | 11-12 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 17 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CINE 301 | Cinema Form and Concept IV | 3 |
| Courses toward a minor, second major or electives | 13 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.